Last year, a staggering 323 million people used dating apps or online dating sites. In the UK alone, the dating app market contributes a whopping £11.7 billion to the economy! That’s a lot of wine, spaghetti, and first dates!
It’s no surprise that Tinder reigns supreme as the most popular dating app in the UK, with an incredible 55% of Brits having used it. That number seemed high to me, too, until I discovered that 13% of Tinder users are actually in relationships! Suddenly, it all starts to make sense.
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Dating Stats
But before we dive into why online dating can be so tough, let me hit you with some more eye-opening stats:
- 81% of people lie about their height, age, or size on their dating profiles.
- 25% of people have been ghosted after a date.
- 27% of online daters were catfished in 2020.
- In the first half of 2019, nearly £8 million was lost to romance scams.
- 85% of dating app users in the UK are men.
Why Is Online Dating So Difficult?
Are you as shocked as I am by these stats? Even after my own experiences with catfishing, ghosting, and scams, I’m still in disbelief!
Online dating can feel like a rollercoaster. While it’s supposed to be fun, for many of us, it’s anything but. Despite my less-than-stellar experiences over the past two years, I find myself, like so many others, coming back for more. I’ve become a bit of a dating detective, scrutinising every profile and interaction to figure out who’s real and who’s not.
The reality is that online dating is often disappointing. There have been weeks where I didn’t get a single like, and it was hard not to take it personally. But the truth is, we’re all just small fish in a massive pond, trying to stand out among millions of users is like searching for a needle in a haystack.
Then, just when you finally get a match with someone who seems perfect, you get ghosted. You’re not alone—50% of matches result in no returned messages.
The Impact of Online Dating on Mental Health
If you caught my post on World Mental Health Day, you’ll know that I’m passionate about discussing how online dating can affect our mental health. Rejection is tough, and it can take a serious toll on our self-esteem.
A 2022 study found that 60% of women are self-conscious about their weight, feeling that they’re too heavy. If 6 in 10 women already struggle with body confidence, just imagine how they might feel after the ups and downs of online dating.
I’ve battled with my own body confidence issues, and the first step in overcoming them was talking openly about my struggles. The same goes for dating. Don’t bottle up your feelings! Chat with friends about your experiences, and remember that you are more than enough.
So, What’s the Solution?
There’s no denying it, online dating is hard. My advice? Take breaks when you feel your confidence waning. Read a self-love book or listen to an uplifting podcast while you cook dinner to boost your spirits and remind yourself of your worth.
Persistence can pay off! 11% of people aged 40-44 met their partner through an online dating site (according to YouGov). I’m nearing that age range myself, and those odds give me hope! Despite the challenges, the positive dating experiences I’ve had far outweigh the negatives.
While I may make it sound like doom and gloom, the truth is I’ve dated over 30 men and have never felt more alive. Dating has given me the chance to try new things… Axe throwing, blindfolded baking, even a tantric massage class!
Don’t Lose Hope if Online Dating Isn’t for You
If online dating isn’t your cup of tea, there’s still hope:
- 18% of couples meet through work.
- 18% of couples meet through friends.
- 15% meet while out and about. You never know, you might bump into Mr. Right with your shopping trolley!
Good luck on your dating journey, and remember, you’re not alone!
Thanks for reading!
Be sure to check out my other posts, including my speed dating experiences with Original Dating, the ultimate speed dating questions, my top 50 first dates ideas, and solo travel guides for when you’re happily single.
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